Praise for state Rep. John Hetherington

Published 1:01 pm, Saturday, January 12, 2013

To the Editor:

With the close of our 2012 regular legislative session this week comes the close of John Hetherington's decade of public service representing the 125th Assembly district in the Connecticut House of Representatives.

I have had the great pleasure of serving with John in the House, where he set the standard for diligence, legislative acuity, and gentlemanly conduct. While Wilton and New Canaan have benefited from John's service, so has the entire state of Connecticut.

During his time in the General Assembly, John served as Ranking Member of both the Judiciary Committee and the Government Administration and Elections Committee.

His extensive knowledge of the law and his exceptionally clear thinking made him a respected advisor for legislators on both sides of the aisle and a highly effective leader on his committees.

Yet John brought to the House so much more than his extraordinary legislative capabilities -- intellect without pedantry, principles without partisanship, wit without sarcasm, elegance without pretention.

In a realm where the public faces of politicians often hide their real personalities and feelings, John has never shown the least hint of insincerity.

In all his dealings, his true character shines through.

He is a man of integrity, steadfast loyalty, conscience, decency, and genuine kindness. In retiring from the General Assembly, he leaves behind a fine example for generations of legislators to come.

We owe John Hetherington a great debt of thanks. I know that he will continue to be an active member of our communities, where he is an admired and respected resource for ideas and good counsel.

While I will miss John as a colleague, I feel fortunate beyond measure to have served with him in the House, and I look forward to many years of continuing friendship.

Gail Lavielle

State Representative, 143rd district

(Note: I represent Wilton, Norwalk, and Westport. John represented Wilton and New Canaan in the 125th district for 10 years. We shared Wilton.)